At the top of the table, Urawa Reds remained top of the pile as an own goal from Kazunari Ono was enough to defeat Albirex Niigata 1-0.

Sagan Tosu remain just a point adrift in second as Kim Min-woo's goal secured a 1-0 triumph at Vissel Kobe, while Kawasaki Frontale - who occupy the final AFC Champions League spot - were 2-0 victors on their visit to Shimizu S-Pulse.

Ten-man Kashima Antlers retain hopes of continental football next season, but could only draw 1-1 at Tokyo in the capital, while Kashiwa Reysol and Vegalta Sendai played out a 0-0 draw.